Travel guide – trekking
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Overview
Trekking is the most popular activity in Nepal and is the best way to experience the natural splendour and cultural riches of the Himalayas. Differences in altitude support a wide range of vegetation types and lifestyles and famous peaks shelter remote mountain villages that are untouched by modern ways of life.
Most treks follow well-used foot trails that have been in use for hundreds of years, connecting pastoral settlements, little mountain villages of stone and wood, and monasteries, temples and shrines. Trekking is not a solitary wilderness experience, as trails are shared with pilgrims and traders driving fully laden yaks or donkeys over the high mountain passes. Herders and other parties of tourists can also provide some company, along with their guides and quick-footed porters beneath their enormous loads. Trails cross high over rivers on swaying suspension bridges, meandering up valleys and past green terraced fields, through Tibetan-style stone hamlets a-flutter with colourful prayer flags, where ancient prayer wheels on the main route are kept spinning by the stream of passers by.
Whatever region one chooses to trek in, the magnificent scenery is always dominated by soaring heights and icy mountain peaks. Different regions allow a range of trekking options, from easy walking for a few days to strenuous expeditions lasting a few weeks, from circular routes around the Annapurnas, to summit assaults on Mount Everest. There are also different approaches to trekking in Nepal, depending on time, money and experience. Organised, all-inclusive treks include porters, guides, cooks, tents, equipment and transport, and provide comfort and security as well as eliminating lengthy preparations beforehand. Teahouse treks follow the most popular trekking routes in the entire Annapurna region, Langtang area and the Everest region, and allow walkers to make their own way from village to village, carrying minimal equipment and relying on ‘teahouses’ for food and accommodation. It is also possible to hire a guide and/or porters for these expeditions. For those wanting to get away from it all there are also many less-developed routes in more remote regions.
A trekking permit is no longer required in many regions, including the popular Annapurna, Everest and Langtang areas; however a fee must be paid to trek in a designated national park, conservation area or wildlife reserve, which can be paid at the entrance (Rs 1,000 or Rs 2,000 for most areas). The Annapurna region requires the fee to be paid in advance at the ACAP office in Kathmandu or Pokhara (Rs 2,000), which goes towards environment conservation and maintenance of the area.
The most popular trekking region in Nepal, the Annapurna region passes through some of the most spectacular scenery in the country, with deep valleys and close up views of mountains over 22,966ft (7,000m) tall, ancient stone settlements, Tibetan culture, and Buddhist temples and monasteries. Excellent lodges line the main routes of the Annapurna Circuit, the Annapurna Sanctuary, and the Jomson trek to Muktinath. The Circuit is one of the most walked treks in the country and is one of the most exceptional trekking routes on earth, crossing Thorong-La pass at 17,769ft (5,416m) and requiring about three weeks. The Sanctuary requires about 10 days and is a direct route straight to the heart of the Himalayas, where tremendous sheer-walled peaks of 19,685ft to 26,247ft (6,000 to 8,000m) encircle the reverent trekker at the Annapurna Base Camp. Easily accessible via a short flight from Pokhara or Kathmandu, Jomson is a town situated between two gigantic mountains in the Kali Gandaki Valley, at the bottom of the world’s deepest gorge. From Jomson there are options to walk in either direction along the Circuit – the trek to the holy shrine at Muktinath is very popular and follows the ancient trade and pilgrimage route across the Himalayas.
Many trekkers and adventurous mountaineers are drawn to the sight and challenge of the highest mountain in the world within the Sagarmatha National Park. Most fly to the airstrip at Lukla at an altitude of 9,350ft (2,850m) from where the trek begins to Everest Base Camp at the foot of the ice-covered giant. Highlights en route include the famous Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar and the Tengboche Monastery. By flying in and out, the trek requires about two weeks; it is also possible to walk in, but this requires more time.
Climate
Nepal has two seasons – the dry season from October to May and the rainy, monsoon season from June to September. Early spring (March to April) and late autumn (October and November) are the best times to visit, and also offer the clearest mountain views and good weather for trekking. From December to February there is snow on the mountains with freezing temperatures at high altitudes, while the summer months of June to August can be very hot for general travel.
Health
No immunization is required, but vaccinations for cholera, hepatitis A, meningitis, tetanus, diphtheria and typhoid are recommended. Altitude sickness is a real risk for trekkers. There is a risk of malaria between June and September in the low-lying areas including Chitwan National Park. Outbreaks of Japanese encephalitis occur annually, particularly between July and December; vaccination is advised. More than 300 people died in December 2005 from this disease. Untreated water should be avoided; visitors can buy bottled water or purify their own. When trekking it is preferable to treat one's own water rather than leaving a trail of plastic bottles behind; purifying water with iodine is the cheapest and easiest way to treat water. Stomach upsets are likely to be the most common cause of illness in travellers; food in tourist restaurants or 'Western' food should be treated with caution as it is often reheated or left to stand out, and drinks or salads can contain ice or have ingredients washed in dirty water. Standard of care in hospitals varies, but there are traveller's clinics in Kathmandu and numerous pharmacies in the major towns. Medical insurance is essential.
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